King Korg Is Now In Stores

Analog Modeling Synth ships in the USA 03-May-13

Korg USA has announced the availability of the King Korg analog modeling synth. Focused on live performance, it features Korg's new XMT (Xpanded Modeling Technology) engine, with a wide array of oscillators and filters that Korg says can accurately model sought-after vintage analog synths.

Here's what they have to say about it in their own words...

With its controls laid out in easily identifiable sections, King Korg delivers the unique characteristics of a dedicated synthesizer, while remaining approachable to players who are new to synthesizers

A 3-oscillator, 2-timbre design allows players to generate thick and rich sounds. In addition to essential waveform choices such as sawtooth, square, sine, triangle, and noise, King Korg provides pre-set algorithms that contain various combinations of oscillator numbers and types, for easily and quickly sculpting stage-ready sounds. The oscillator algorithms also include numerous PCM/DWGS algorithms for creating highly personal sounds.

The filter section is crucial to a synthesizer's character, and King Korg's filters add unparalleled flexibility. In addition to a variety of essential analog modeling filter types, there are faithful filter models from analog monophonic synths that were used for lead and bass sounds in the '70s, as well as the polyphonic synths used in new wave music of the '80s, plus the filters of Korg's classic MS-20 analog synth. These filters can also be made to self-oscillate by raising the resonance setting- a unique capability of analog synthesizers.

A selection of 200 stage-ready preset programs includes many familiar and authentic sounds for playing classic and modern songs, plus fresh, inspiring sounds for new musical creations. An assortment of live performance staple sounds includes PCM-based piano, electric piano, organ, and clavinet. Users can store their own creations in 100 onboard user sound locations.

Each of three master effect sections offers a choice of six effect types: PRE FX such as distortion and amp simulator; MOD FX, including phaser, chorus, and tremolo; and REV/DELAY such as hall reverb and modulation delay. A full-analog vacuum tube driver circuit is also included as a mastering effect. It can be used to add warm fullness, a powerful overdrive, or anything in between. In addition, a built-in, full-featured vocoder uses audio from the onboard mic input to create a talking effect.

Many classic synthesizers used patch cables to physically reconfigure the signal flow. King Korg's intuitive Virtual Patch system reproduces this function. With six Virtual Patch assignments per timbre, control signals such as EG, LFO, or joystick movement can be virtually connected to sound parameters such as pitch or cutoff, allowing users to modulate a parameter for even greater sound-shaping possibilities.

King Korg's design makes it easy to create and modify sounds. The oscillator section has its own dedicated display, and the control knobs are assigned to the most important parameters for each oscillator. There are also dedicated dials for each of the three master effects, making it easy to audition different effects to hear how they modify the sound. Self-luminous organic EL displays are used for excellent visibility, even on a dimly lit stage.

King Korg features five octaves of velocity-sensitive keys, with adjustable response (Normal, Shallow, or Deep) to mimic that of classic instruments. Below the dedicated octave shift buttons, a backlit X/Y joystick is ready to control important live performance tweaks.

A CV/GATE OUT jack enables players to use an analog signal to control a KORG monotribe or MS-20. A dedicated cable is included to use the keyboard of King Korg to play the monotribe.

7 Comments...Comments are closed while we transition to Disqusloneraver Said...

It's a great sounding synth that's coming out at a bad time. Their biggest competition is their own other synths.

03-May-13 07:33 AM

GuestKT Said...

Trying to find more audio demos but... More than timing, probably it just doesn't have enough hands on controls and it is priced too high with only 2-timbres. Same price you can buy two new real analogue synths like Bass Station 2 plus korg MS20mini and have £100 spare change. Or other combos like a mini brute and a tetra for a total of 5 versatile timbers... Or a subphatty and volca stuff? Yes 24voices polyphony but for only 2-timbers who cares

04-May-13 01:33 PM

Mattsynth Said...

I am very intrigued with this synth but something is holding me back from buying it. I cannot put my finger on it but there is something telling me that this synth will not added anything new to my studio.

06-May-13 09:17 AM

raphus Said...

What's holding me back is that it's ugly and appears flimsily made (based on videos and reviews). If it had more knobs/sliders and was 4-part multitimbral with effects on each part, I'd be tempted to replace my Ion.

06-May-13 03:04 PM

PlaNiT G Said...

Say what you like about Korg. At least they're thinking out of the box. Big fan!

16-May-13 03:04 AM

Peter K. Said...

A buddy of mine has one and it's a pretty cool instrument. It feels like a Krome; so it's alright but lightweight and kinda plasticky. It sounds really good though, and the controls are quick and intuitive. It's like today's version of a Polysix.

The controls feel okay but the sound is very smooth and free of stepping. It's a decent board that sounds great. Light weight, good value.

26-May-13 12:42 PM

miekwave Said...

I own 6 or 7 korg products and a bunch of their software products.

Played kingkorg this for at least 30 minutes on three occasions at local synth shop. I was impressed with its live performability. Keys respond nicely, knobs and mod wheel feel nice.

Unfortunately its not very studio friendly, it has crypic controls and changing midi channel requires more button presses than id like.

The only thing keeping me from purchasing this I cannot justify the price given its featureset. I can see this selling for 900, then I might buy.